Battle of Malaysia's C-SUV oldies - Ageing Honda CR-V powers past Proton X70 for No.2 spot, behind Toyota Corolla Cross

The current generation Honda CR-V is already in its final legs. An all-new generation model has already been launched in Thailand, and Indonesia is expected to follow suit in the coming months.

The model is currently in what the industry terms as a run-out mode – using sales promotions to phase out the current generation model to make way for an incoming new model. Bargain hunters who don’t mind not having the latest model, and don’t want to put up with long waiting periods for newer, more popular models will appreciate the good deal.

Honda Malaysia’s dealers are now offering promotions worth RM 8,000 for the outgoing generation C-RV. Last month, the figure was RM 6,000.

The move seems to be working, as the Honda CR-V has powered past the Proton X70 to claim the top spot for Malaysia’s C-SUV sales ranking for July 2023. Holding first place is the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Only Proton has made sales figures for the Proton X70 public (881 units for July, 6,997 units for January – July 2023), but industry sources say that July’s numbers were extremely close with less than 10 cars separating the Proton X70 and Honda CR-V, despite the latter’s huge price gap.

This doesn’t mean that Proton is losing X70 buyers to the Honda CR-V. Honda dealers explained that the X70 was never the target of their promotion, because of the big gap in prices.

The Proton X70 ranges from RM 98,800 to RM 123,800 while the Honda CR-V is priced from RM 146,900 to RM 171,400.

The fact that they are in the same segment means nothing to consumers, as Proton X70 buyers are more likely to cross shop with the B-segment Honda HR-V than a C-segment Honda CR-V – thus reaffirming the opinion that vehicle segments mean nothing to consumers. It’s all about the price and what does the car offers.

If value is what you’re after, it’s hard to beat the Proton X70 – which offers you the most car for the least money, albeit it’s a little old.

For the month of August, Proton dealers are offering RM 7,000 worth of promotions for the Proton X70.

As for the Honda CR-V, well it’s in a class of its own. No other car in that segment offers the same all-rounded balance between practicality, huge interior space, low fuel consumption, good resale value, and features.

The Mazda CX-5 comes close, offering a much more expensive interior and superior ride & handling, but you won’t be able to haul as many home fair purchases, or have enjoy the same amount of legroom as the CR-V.